Sunderland's first friendly was cut short amidst farcical scenes on Saturday. The Black Cats were leading at the break against Rangers when the lights went out at the Estadio Municipal de Albufeira, and all power inside the ground was lost.
It came just as the teams made their way back onto the field for the second half but, after a delay of around 45 minutes in which no-one seemed to know what was happening, eventually the decision was made to abandon the match. It was hardly the start that Sunderland wanted to their pre-season trip to Portugal, and it disrupted Alex Neil's carefully made plans whereby he had mapped out which players would get 90 minutes, which 60, and which 30.
The electricians will be at the ground in the next few days to ensure there is no repeat when Sunderland take on Roma in their second and final friendly out here before they return home on Wednesday. But at least the Roma game is an 11am kick-off, so floodlights will not be a factor.
READ MORE: Luke O'Nien taking the positives from Sunderland's aborted friendly with Rangers
Spare a thought for Rangers and their travelling fans, though - their game against Sunderland was the only match scheduled during their own stay on the Algarve. It's a long way to come for 45 minutes' action!
Sunderland's Aussie rules
Bailey Wright is already a fan favourite at Sunderland and after signing a new deal on Wearside the genial Aussie's legend continues to grow. Wright was not involved in the game against Rangers because he had had a shorter summer break than most after helping the Socceroos qualify for this winter's World Cup finals in Qatar.
But he was given a warm welcome by the Sunderland fans when he appeared in the build-up to kick-off last night, and responded by wandering over to the massed ranks in red and white to pose for pictures and sign autographs.
Ballard looks the part
This was the first chance Sunderland fans had had to see their new signing Daniel Ballard in action, and even though it lasted for only 45 minutes he made an impression. The Northern Ireland international, who joined from Arsenal 10 days ago, was excellent at the heart of defence alongside Luke O'Nien.
He stood up to the physical test and used the ball well, but arguably his best moment came when he made an excellent challenge to halt Scott Wright in his tracks when he threatened to burst through into the penalty area. He looks a quality addition.
READ NEXT:
- Alex Neil ready to help new boys Dan Ballard and Jack Clarke realise their potential
- Alex Neil on why patience is the key to Sunderland's summer strengthening
- Alex Neil on a frustrating evening as Sunderland's friendly against Rangers is abandoned
- Sunderland's friendly against Rangers abandoned due to a powercut at the stadium
- Sunderland 1-0 Rangers ratings as O'Nien and Pritchard star before the lights went out
